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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Megan White

Emaciated and overworked elephant collapses with exhaustion after being forced to work in Sri Lankan parade

The elephant was seen collapsed from exhaustion (Picture: Save Elephant Foundation / Lek Chailert)

An overworked elephant has collapsed from exhaustion days after a charity posted shocking photos of her emaciated ribs.

Tikiiri, a 70-year-old elephant, is one of 60 elephants who joins the Perahera Festival in Sri Lanka.

She was forced to work for ten consecutive days wearing a costume, including a mask with bright lights.

Earlier this week, shocking images showed her gaunt body once the gown had been removed.

Her costume for the Perahera Festival covers her bony ribs (Save Elephant Foundation / Lek Chailert)

On Thursday, Save Elephant Foundation shared another tragic picture, with the elephant collapsed on the floor.

They said a doctor had claimed she was “strong and ok to walk,” despite looking tired and unwell.

Founder Lek Chailert said: Please pray for her. It is too tiring for her to walk and work.

On the day we met her the vet said she is strong and ok to walk.

Tikiiri is one of 60 elephants who works in the Sri Lankan parade (Save Elephant Foundation / Lek Chailert)

Some people are blind in their hearts, and care less to others.

Look at this poor old girl who has fallen down and the whole world can see her.

We cannot just let it go silent. Time to stand up and take action to protect the others who still suffer and are waiting for our voice.

“Time to end to use animal in every ceremony.”

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